Joplin Memorial Run

Last Friday, I experienced my first overnight stay away from Cooper baby. Drew also experienced his first overnight alone with both kids! It was a success on all parts.

I had registered Drew and I both to participate in the Joplin Memorial Run. Unfortunately, we couldn't quite get the babysitting arrangements worked out, so Friday evening after work I drove the 2 hours alone to stay the night ahead of the race. 

Chris had been training and was ready to participate in the half-marathon, while Shiloh was going to "run with me" in the 5k. She did, and then some (see mile #3 selfie). The start of the race already had me teary-eyed when I saw the young couple in front of us had brought a memorial arrangement to run with. They had also lined the last 1/2 or 3/4 mile (not sure?) of the run with 161 flags printed with the names of each tornado victim. That is quite a way to finish. Official time was 29:13. That was 210th place overall, 14th in my division, and 61st out of the females. I think altogether there were 2900ish runners in both races.

Note to self: next year, be prepared for a very fit person to be bored with a 5k and take selfies while running. (I'm considering trying for the half marathon instead and she's not allowed to run beside me)

We had a great time and though it was emotional at times, I enjoyed getting up at 5:30 to run for the cause. **See our shirts, they were also for a "cause". One of Drew's dispatchers has a 12 year-old daughter fighting leukemia for the second time. No one should take good health for granted!

pre-race photo

memorial flowers being carried

see the name flags lining the street

finished, yay!

Once we were finished, we calculated where Chris would be and were able to find him at the 11 mile mark.

free post race food included pizza, sub sandwiches, and mexican

here's the mile 3 selfie.....such a hussy

official finish line photos from the website

Chris finishing the half

Weekend in St. Louis

We spent this very hot Father's Day weekend in St. Louis. Our first stop was the zoo. Of course, Griffin won't remember the visit but I think he enjoyed looking at the animals anyway. Drew had been before but it was my first trip. Griffin had not spent much time out in the heat until these trips we've taken recently. 

maybe I could ride that?

I don't know what these are, but it was a good stop for a picture

This huge gorilla came right up to the glass and sat down....scary!

the baby elephant was very playful and fun to watch

We also caught the Friday night and Saturday afternoon Cardinals games. It was good 'ole sweaty fun. Griffin didn't last longer than the 5th inning in each but we still had a good time. 

Friday Night

no time for pictures, let's go!

Which one should I watch?

I bet I can make friends with the people behind us

yep, they love me!

this kid knows how to flirt

Saturday Afternoon

it looked like he was going to nap.....but didn't

Must stay hydrated!

Although he is very hot blooded like me and almost instantly starts sweating (to the point of his hair looking wet) he tolerates it well and is not extra fussy. We have enjoyed my week of vacation and it's mini adventures. I'm looking forward to what the week later this year will bring!

Weekend in Branson

We experienced a lot of "firsts" this weekend. We have no plans to take a real vacation this year, so I convinced Drew to have a couple overnight stays during my week off of work. The first mini-trip was to Branson, our first time staying overnight there. It seemed a little strange, since we frequented the city so much on school trips as kids, but we had a really nice time. 


Our first stop was White Water. This was Griffin's first "swimming" experience. We anticipated he would enjoy it since he LOVES his baths. Although you can't really tell by these pictures, we were right. He splashed and sat down in that cold water, enjoyed attention from other kids, refused to wear a hat, it was a lot of fun. It's bound to be even more of a hit when he is walking and can run around. 

Let's do this!

I see the entrance....can we go?

Shrieking with excitement!

"Already picking up chicks" says Drew

Mom caught me during a blink.....but look at my teeth!

We stayed at Hilton down on the Branson Landing and really enjoyed all of the shopping and good food. It allowed us to be on the go with Griffin in the stroller and walking around seeing things, instead of him being in the car seat. Another first......Griffin enjoyed his bath in a jacuzzi tub! I had to get in as well to keep up with him and take care of business. Momma needs a tub like that at home!

Our final stop was Silver Dollar City. Griffin is a huge "people-watcher" so the fact that he couldn't ride any rides didn't really bother him. Note to self: when he becomes 36", it's game on! We made a big loop checking out shops and looking around. It turns out, Griffin cracks up at the "put your face in the hole for picture" boards--see below. It must be the peek-a-boo-ness of them. We would go behind and before I could even get his face in the hole he would be giggling hysterically.  

I like watching people.....

Mommy is trying really hard to get us both in place

We had a very nice weekend. Big thanks to my parents who took care of Duke for us. We had nothing to worry about and were able to enjoy ourselves. Next weekend will be another adventure!